9 of London’s Best Winter Terraces to Check out this Season

Cosy up beneath the fairy light-lit canopies of London’s best winter terraces; with warming cocktails and festive food, there’s no better place to while away long December nights

London’s nightlife is getting festive with these warming winter terraces

THE WHITE FOREST AT MADISON LONDON

Madison London is transforming into a magical white forest this winter, bringing a touch of festive spirit to the city. Step out of the lift into a wintery arch to enjoy a seasonal winter menu under a twinkling canopy, enveloped in the warmth of fire braziers and faux fur blankets. Culinary highlights in gourmet hot dogs and Christmas pudding, spiced hot buttered rum, apple pie hot toddies, mulled ciders and spiked hot chocolate.

AVIARY WINTER IGLOOS

Forget about heading to the Alps this Christmas, a high-altitude winter terrace pop-up has arrived at Aviary, promising to elevate any festive celebration. Guests will be transported to an arctic escape, high above the city with on-trend igloos, twinkling lights, snug rugs and hot water bottles, making it the perfect spot in town for drinking hot toddies and feasting with friends.

SIPSMITH’S WINTER WARMING TERRACE

As the weather gets colder, Charlotte’s W5 has teamed up with Sipsmith for one of London’s ultimate winter terraces. Saunter through the fir trees as the smell of roasted chestnuts wafts by, before settling down under a canopy of fairy lights. With blankets and Sipsmith’s hot cocktails, Ealing residents now have the perfect place to sip away those long December nights.

SOUTH POLE SALOON

Escape the dark winter nights and the urban streets of Brixton by climbing the stairs to south London’s most popular rooftop. The South Pole Saloon is here and willing revellers to join a band of rebels in the frozen south for festive frolics, food and drink. This decadent and debaucherous dive bar plays host to a Christmas spectacle like no other, with creative cocktails, festive street food and live music.

CHURCHILL WINTER TERRACE

The award-winning Churchill bar is travelling back in time with a seasonally themed alfresco terrace. From the iconic British posters to the old railway station clock, this is sure to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With the winter decor comes a creative menu, drawn from some of Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite places and passions. Highlights include a white truffle croque monsieur and an apple and hazelnut crumble.

ROOF EAST

After a record-breaking summer at Roof East Stratford, the Social Fun & Games’ winter games are here to carry on the festivities into the colder season. London’s only rooftop curling experience, Sliders, returns along with a retro-inspired ski lodge bar serving warming cocktails and glassy igloos offering a magical dining experience.

WINTER ROOF GARDENS

Proud Camden’s Winter Roof Gardens are ready and waiting for Londoners to come in from the cold streets of Camden and grab a drink on the newly decked out terrace. The roof garden has been given a wintry makeover with outdoor heaters, fully covered pergolas and layer upon layer of leafy green foliage wrapped in sparkling lights. Madhattan Cantina will be on-hand to provide the ultimate winter-warmer nourishment from their grill, while the bar team will be creating expertly-made cocktails and drinks.

WOODY BEAR

Boozy eggnog, raclette wheels and tea-cup fairground booths have arrived on the rooftops of Oxford Street with the launch of one of London’s newest winter terraces, Woody Bear. Inspired by an urban fairground and hidden behind a secret entrance, this new festive venue is brought to life with animal seesaws, repurposed fairground ride booths and swings. Food comes courtesy of Madame & Monsieur who will be offering a bespoke line of grilled cheese sandwiches, with ever-changing specials. For a theatrical dining experience, tuck into the melty London Raclette on potatoes, served from a 6kg wheel.

QUEEN OF HOXTON’S MOROCCAN MEDINA

Go deep into the far-flung desert realms and romantic splendour of Marrakesh this weekend with a visit to the Queen of Hoxton’s Rooftop Riad. Here you’ll find a bar inspired by the intoxicating colours, sights and scents of Moroccan Souks, along with a treasure trove of brightly coloured Baboushe slippers, ceramic tiles, twinkling lanterns and cushions. Food and drink follow the theme with a menu of spiced hot buttered rum, shimmering gold pomegranate bellinis, tagine, mezze and more.